Low-Carb Diets Are Causing A Severe Butter Shortage In Norway

A low-carb diet craze in Norway is causing a severe shortage of
butter, reports
Reuters.

The diet, which is gaining popularity in the Nordic region,
encourages the intake of fat while reducing the intake of carbs,
leading to a high demand for butter and creamy products.

This october sale sof butter reportedly shot up by 20 percent and
a further 30 percent in November. Now, the fatty condiment is the
most in demand product in Norway. Reuters
notes that portions of butter have been selling on eBay for $13
per 250 grams.

According to The
Foreigner, bad weather and poor harvests are also being
blamed for the lack of the dairy product.

However, consumers are starting to express disgust with what they
perceive as a butter monopoly held by Norwegian dairy
cooperative, Tine — the result of strict tariffs Norway has on
the import of butter. Though neighboring countries would be
willing to bolster the country's dairy supplies, Norway doesn't
belong to the EU and therefore doesn't have the same trade ties
the bond the other Nordic nations.

Norwegian Sources spoke to some pretty angry consumers who
claimed that the monopoly was "ridiculous" and "terrible." Some
shoppers have reportedly been unable to buy butter for four
weeks.